Extreme Cowboy Racing' event at horse park open to all riders

Monday

Nov 24, 2008 at 7:04 AMNov 24, 2008 at 7:05 AM

By Fred HiersStaff writer

Cowboy life isn't gone, it's just finding new venues.On Dec. 6, the Florida Horse Park will host Extreme Cowboy Racing, in which riders at beginner, intermediate and advanced riding abilities will compete over a ¾-mile long course around and over obstacles.The course's obstacles are similar to those found on trail rides and around a working cattle ranch, said event organizer Don Hynds.Obstacles include ditches and brush, barrel racing, mazes, water crossings, pulling logs and getting your horse into a horse trailer. Riders try to complete the course as close as possible to the time allotted by judges.Allotted times are determined by judges based on the group's skill level. Beginners and intermediate riders finishing faster than the allotted time do not win."I don't want beginners and intermediate riders going as fast as they can and get hurt," Hynds said. "What I'm trying to do is create a safe environment for people that are riding."Beginners are expected to take about eight minutes to complete the course, intermediate riders six minutes and advanced riders five minutes.Entree fees are $30 before the event and $35 the day of the event. Vendors will be on hand selling food and horse tack.Hynds said the course is designed to be safe and enjoyable for riders with no more than six months experience and people who have been riding many years."I believe any rider can do this course," he said. Contact Fred Hiers at fred.hiers@starbanner.com.